Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in Mississippi

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A 2014 report from the Mississippi Board of Nursing stated that there were more than 45,000 active RNs in the state. That figure, as well as nationwide growth projected at 16 percent from 2014 to 2024 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is a clear indicator that nursing is both a vital and growing component of the state’s health care industry. Individuals interested in this career field can use the following guide to learn more about salary and employment trends in Mississippi and the required steps for nurse licensure.

Find Nursing Schools in Mississippi

Due to the growing need for entry-level and advanced practice RNs, Mississippi colleges and universities are continually expanding their nursing school programs to meet the needs of as many students as possible. There are several schools across the state that offer accredited nursing programs to train and prepare aspiring registered nurses and advanced practice nurses. These programs are approved and regulated by the Mississippi Board of Nursing.

Steps for Nurse Licensure in Mississippi

The Mississippi Board of Nursing (MBN) is the licensing board for all nurses in the state. It protects the public by ensuring all practicing nurses have met the requirements to legally work as a nurse in Mississippi. MBN also allows employers to verify licenses online and provides up-to-date information for keeping a license active.

Requirements for Eligibility

Decide if you need to apply for licensure by endorsement (if you hold a current license in another state) or by examination (if you need to apply for an initial license)

Earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program

Request that your school send official transcripts, with graduation date and degree conferred, to the Board

Complete a Criminal Background Check (CBC) through the MBN website

Visit the Board of Nursing to be fingerprinted

If applying for license by examination, register to take the NCLEX-RN and remit payment to Pearson Vue

Submit Primary State of Residency Declaration to the MBN to identify Mississippi as your state of residency

Submit evidence of English competency if English is not your first language.

Schedule a time and date to take the NCLEX-RN exam after you’ve received your Authorization to Test (ATT) letter from Pearson Vue

License Renewal in Mississippi

Nurses in Mississippi need to renew their license in even numbered years during the renewal period (October 1 through December 31). Those renewing must submit an application and application fee of $100 prior to December 31. The Board of Nursing mails notifications to those who need to renew by November 1 of the year of renewal. Licenses that are not renewed are placed on inactive status and require an additional application and fee to become active again. License cards are no longer distributed, but RNs and employers can check a status online through the Board’s verification system.

Individuals may also request that their license be placed on inactive status, and must pay a biennial renewal fee to remain on inactive status.

Advanced Practice Nursing Licensure Requirements

According to the Mississippi Board of Nursing’s annual report the state also has a fair amount of advanced practice registered nurses. As of June 30, 2014, Mississippi had a total of 3,488 APRNs, including 734 nurse anesthetists and 33 certified nurse midwives. In order to practice as an APRN in Mississippi, individuals must have an active RN license as well as meet a few additional requirements for their specialty:

Earn a master’s degree or higher from a nationally approved school of nursing

Successfully passed a national certification exam in their area of practice

Submit an initial application

Complete a 720-hour residency, under the direct supervision of either a licensed physician or certified APRN. Evidence of this must be sent to the Board of Nursing for review and approval.

Renew certification and licensure applications every two years between October and December of even-numbered years

Mississippi Nursing Stats

Though the job outlook for nurses in Mississippi is growing at a slower rate than the country as a whole (about 4 percent vs. 16 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics), there is still a need for new nurses. An aging population and current nurses reaching retirement age will facilitate that need. Here you’ll find how that demand can translate to salary expectations across the state:

Top-Paying Areas for RNs in Mississippi

Area

Hourly Median Wage

Annual Median Wage

Jackson

$29.33

$61,010

Pascagoula

$28.32

$58,910

Northwest Mississippi nonmetropolitan area

$27.02

$56,200

Gulfport-Biloxi

$26.74

$55,620

Southeast Mississippi nonmetropolitan area

$25.53

$53,100

Hattiesburg

$25.21

$52,430

Northeast Mississippi nonmetropolitan area

$24.76

$51,500

Southwest Mississippi nonmetropolitan area

$24.42

$50,790

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014

Mississippi vs. National Numbers

Salary

Mississippi

National

Annual Salary (25th percentile)

Annual Salary (median)

Annual Salary (75th percentile)

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014

Employment

Total Employment (2014)

2022 occupational outlook

Avg. annual openings (2012 – 2022)

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014 and Projections Central

Resources for RNs and APRNs in Mississippi

The Mississippi Board of Nursing is the licensing avenue for both practicing nurses and those looking to become nurses. It also provides e-learning opportunities for nurses and license verification for employers.

With an eye on transforming health care through nursing, the Mississippi Action Coalition works with over 40 stakeholders to model innovative solutions in the field. It is backed by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and AARP.

The Mississippi Nurses’ Association is the voice of registered nurses in the state, representing nurses through workshops, programs and collaboration. It is nationally-recognized for its work on issues that impact the nursing field.

A non-profit charitable foundation, the Mississippi Nurses Foundation raises funds and disperses donations in an effort to promote both nursing and better health in the state. Scholarships are available for qualifying students.